Southampton School District seeking private, armed security

Monday

Southampton School District intends to hire private, armed security, marking the first time a K-8 district in Burlington County has been guarded full time by a non-law enforcement officer.

SOUTHAMPTON — The school district intends to hire private, armed security, marking the first time a K-8 district in Burlington County has been guarded full time by a non-law enforcement officer.

The district is one of many expanding elementary school security to include strict measures once reserved for high schools. However, to date, these measures have been reserved for elementary schools in larger districts and often in partnership with municipal government and police.

But Southampton would forge a new path for the county’s small districts if it proceeds with hiring private security.

Superintendent Michael Harris said Southampton is serious about getting the best candidate.

“We’re not looking for 'Paul Blart, Mall Cop,'” Harris said in an interview. “This is more than bringing someone with a firearm onto campus. We’re looking for someone with a lot of experience.”

Southampton currently receives free security from the New Jersey State Police. State police also provide service to elementary/middle school districts in five Burlington County municipalities without police forces, including Shamong, Tabernacle, Hainesport, Bass River and Woodland.

Most Burlington County school districts receive security services from municipal police or from retired officers employed by local police.

Southampton’s private security officer would have a variety of responsibilities, including providing armed security during the school day and for some evening events, vetting visitors, monitoring video surveillance and conducting routine inspections, according to a request for proposals issued earlier this month.

Candidates must have more than 20 years of law enforcement experience, according to the request for proposals.

The district’s security plan has received support from nearly 90 percent of parents and teachers, Harris said, citing a survey conducted by the school district that's made up of about 1,100 students.

“I was surprised by how overwhelmingly the results were in favor, because usually whenever you talk about firearms some people are pro and some are very against in any way, shape or form,” Harris said.

Southampton expects to spend about $55,000 to $60,000 on the officer, according to the superintendent.

The decision to hire private security comes amidst a suite of new security measures, including hiring a second school counselor to provide social and emotional support and a planned $300,000 video surveillance system.

Other districts receiving New Jersey State Police services say they also would like to have private, armed security, but cannot pay for it.

“In a perfect world that would be wonderful, but we can’t financially afford that,” said Superintendent Misty Weiss about Woodland Township School District, which has about 150 students at its one school. “We have as much security as we possibly can.”

Tabernacle Township School District also has considered armed security, according to Glenn Robbins, superintendent.

“If budget circumstances were such that they would allow, then we could possibly have that conversation,” Robbins said.

However, not every district is interested.

“We are definitely getting the services we need,” said Christine Vespe, Shamong Township School District superintendent. “(State police) don’t stand at the door, but they do provide interaction with the students and help in investigative issues.”

Burlington County schools — like many around the country — stepped up security measures following the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, during which 14 students and three staff members were killed.

New Jersey schools are required to file a security plan with the state and to conduct regular security drills.

Responses to Southampton’s request for proposals are due Feb. 1.

Delran Township School District in August hired K.D. National Force Security & Investigations to provide security to its elementary, intermediate, middle and high schools. Willingboro School District’s decision last year to hire private security inspired student and staff criticism and a walkout.

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